Texas House Bill HB4487

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to exclusion of certain public school student disciplinary actions from reports required by state or federal law.

Impact

The implications of HB 4487 on state law are significant as it modifies the reporting norms for public schools under the Public Education Information Management System (PEIMS). By excluding certain disciplinary actions from being counted in official reports, the bill seeks to shift how schools manage and report behavior issues. Advocates of the bill argue that it allows schools to have greater flexibility in handling student behavior and focuses on rehabilitation rather than simply punitive measures. This change may also influence the evaluation of school performance metrics by presenting a more optimistic picture of a school's discipline record.

Summary

House Bill 4487 focuses on amending the Texas Education Code to change the way disciplinary actions taken against public school students are reported. Specifically, the bill states that a student sent to see a campus behavior coordinator, or removed from a class, will not be counted as removed from the classroom for the purposes of data reporting. This amendment aims to provide a more favorable reflection of disciplinary practices within Texas public schools by potentially reducing the number of reported disciplinary actions and their impacts on school ratings.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 4487 appears to be situationally supportive among educational administrators and some lawmakers who view it as a necessary adjustment to promote better behavior management strategies. However, there are concerns from critics regarding the transparency and accountability of schools in managing student behavior. Some believe that such a bill could mask underlying behavioral issues rather than encouraging proper intervention and support systems, leading to potential long-term effects on student development.

Contention

The primary point of contention regarding HB 4487 lies in the balance between appropriately managing student behavior and maintaining transparent reporting practices in schools. Opponents argue that excluding certain disciplinary actions from reports could lead to a lack of accountability, ultimately harming students who require more comprehensive support. The bill raises critical questions about how schools will ensure they address behavioral issues internally without neglecting the need for adequate reporting and transparency to parents and the community.